India’s First International Cruise Vessel From Chennai To Sri Lanka Flagged Off

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday (5 June) flagged off the maiden International Cruise Vessel - MV Empress, India’s first international cruise vessel - from Chennai to Sri Lanka in Chennai.

This marks the beginning of the international cruise tourism terminal at Chennai, built at a cost of Rs 17.21 crores, heralding a new age of cruise tourism and maritime trade in the country.

"With our rich heritage and culture around our coastal region, the potential of cruise tourism in India is immense. Today, as we launch the maiden cruise service between Chennai and Sri Lanka, it has ushered a new chapter in the cruise tourism sector in the country. As the affordability & access to world class cruise services becomes a reality, the people can enjoy and relish luxurious amenities, entertainment, and breathtaking views," Sonowal said.

The cruise service is the result of an MoU signed during the first Incredible India International Cruise Conference in 2022 between Chennai Port and Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd to start domestic and international cruise service, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said in a release.

With an overwhelming response by 85,000 passengers availing the cruise service through 37 vessels for the domestic circuit, it is expected that the opening up of international circuit will further amp up the business of cruise tourism in the region, the ministry said.

The modern cruise terminal developed at Chennai Port is spread over an area of 2,880 square meters with an ability to host 3,000 passengers at a time, it added.